Mike Adams
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 Products to consider for immune function:
Baseline Nutritionals Immunify, Super ViraGon and Probiotics (www.BaselineNutritionals.com)
<•* Host Defense Extract (www.NewChapter.info)
*¦ Lactoferrin and Cell Forte with IP-6 (www.LEF.org)
** Spirulina (www.Cyanotech.com)
Immune Support Liquid Concentrate (www.Eidon.com)
Infectious disease (flus, colds, bird flu)
As is obvious from SARS and bird flu, infectious diseases are on the rise in the world. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
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 Common Names: Chinese black cohosh, black cohosh, cimicifuga Family: Ranunculaceae Part Used: PJiizome
Energy and Flavors: Cool; sweet, acrid, slightly bitter
Organ Meridians Affected: Lung, spleen, stomach, large intestine
Properties: Diaphoretic, antipyretic, antifungal, antibacterial
Effects and Indications: Clears wind heat, regulates the circulation of qi, relieves pain. It can be used for headache caused by wind heat; gingivitis; hives; diarrhea; venting eruptive skin diseases, such as measles, in the early stages; and prolapsed internal organs, such as the anus and uterus. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
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 Black cohosh can be taken in several forms, including crude, dried root, or rhizome (300 to 2,000 mg per day) or as a solid, dry powdered extract (250 mg 3 times per day). Standardized extracts of the herb are available although they have primarily been researched for use with menopausal (p. 118) women suffering from hot flashes. The recommended amount is 20 to 40 mg twice per day.15 The best researched form provides 1 mg of deoxy-actein per 20 mg of extract. Tinctures can be taken at 2 to 4 ml 3 times per day." black cohosh can be taken for up to 6 months, and then it should be discontinued. |
Bill Gottlieb
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 Herbal Therapy
Scientific studies conducted in Europe show that the herb black cohosh may be effective at relieving menopausal symptoms, according to Varro E. Tyler, Ph.D., professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. In one study, he says, a group of menopausal women had fewer hot flashes and felt less nervous tension after they began taking the herb.
Dr. Tyler says you can find black cohosh in most health food stores, where it's usuady sold as an extract. |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
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 Black cohosh might be mildly effective, but results can take several weeks to appear Do not take black cohosh if you suspect you are pregnant, since it might stimulate uterine contractions.
Chaste berry: This herb is supposed to stimulate the pituitary gland in the brain to increase levels of the female hormone luteinizing hormone (LH), and decrease another female hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH stimulates ovarian secretion of progesterone, so chaste berry might boost levels of this female hormone and help women with irregular periods. |
volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel
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 Estrogen-binding studies in vitro and evidence of antiproliferative effects on the growth of breast carcinoma cells suggest that black cohosh acts on hormonal regulation. Studies of various extracts indicate that the lipophilic fraction contains the hormonally active principle (Jarry et al., 1985; Diiker et al., 1991; Winterhoff, 1993; Jarry et al., 1995). |
| Two medicinal plants stand out in the frequency with which they are prescribed for gynecologic complaints: chasteberries (used chiefly for PMS) and black cohosh rhizome (used principally for menopausal complaints) (Schwabe and Rabe, 1998). Table 7.1 also lists four other herbs recommended by the German Commission E as having gynecologic indications. It can be seen that the range of recommended dosages (column 3 in Table 7.1) is greater for gynecologic herbal remedies than for any other class of phytomedicenes. |
Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
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 At the Rosenthal Center of Columbia University, for example, scientists are conducting studies of black cohosh and other phytoestrogens.
Confirming the Safety of Rhodiola rosea
Pat: We are aware of populations—mainly villagers in the mountains of Siberia and the Republic of Georgia—who take Rhodiola rosea every day throughout their lives without any increase in their risk of cancer. This epidemiological information has reassured us about the safety of the herb. |
| Fortunately, Dick was able to relieve all of her symptoms with a winning combination: Bio-Strath, a rich blend of B vitamins and antioxidants; Remifemin, made from an herb called black cohosh; and 400 milligrams daily of Rhodiola rosea.
With this treatment regimen, Betty's hot flashes and night sweats stopped almost immediately. Her depression and anxiety lifted over the next several months. She slept well, and when she woke up in the morning, she looked forward to the day ahead. To her great relief, once her symptoms subsided, she had no trouble losing the extra pounds she had gained. |
| These include aloe vera, black cohosh, echinacea, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, saw palmetto, St. John's wort, and valerian, among numerous others. Most of these herbs have achieved their prominence in the marketplace because they have been the subjects of the most clinical research.
The past 10 to 20 years have witnessed an explosion in the scientific study of herbal formulations. |
| A growing number of women are turning to natural remedies—such as the plant estrogens in soy, black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), and chasteberry or vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)—to ease the menopausal transition. Because they're natural, plant estrogens (also called phytoestrogens) are believed to be safer and milder than synthetic hormone replacement. But this has yet to be confirmed by long-term large-scale studies.
In the United Sates, pharmaceutical companies support most medication research and development. |
Gary Null
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| They included ginkgo, black cohosh, echinacea, kava-kava, saw palmetto, turmeric, angelica, wild yam, cat's claw, passionflower, muira puama, feverfew, blueberry, chasteberry, licorice, nettle, goldenseal, pygeum, ginger, valerian, and hops. Turmeric showed the most potent anti-Epstein-Barr virus activity, which was ten times more than passionflower, next in the order of activity. Several of the herbal remedies tested inhibited the Epstein-Barr virus by more than 90 percent. The group also reported for the first time the activities of sixteen new medicinal plants as potential anticancer herbs. |
| The researchers concluded that their data suggests that black cohosh can protect against cellular DNA damage.53
Parcell reviews the importance of sulfur in human nutrition and as applied to medicine and found, among other things, that sulfur compounds such as SAMe, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), taurine, glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate, and reduced glutathione may be used in the treatment of a number of disorders, including cancer. |
| Indian snakeroot also has anti-hypertensive qualities. black cohosh, an American herb, helps lower blood pressure.
We've said this before, but let's restate the warnings: It is not at all advisable to take all these substances at the same time. Instead, take one or two of these for a month, as professionally directed. Record the results. Then, under continued guidance, repeat or increase the dosage, or move on to different substances. Do not self-medicate. These supplements are not meant as medicines. |
| Herbs that can help rebalance hormones, thereby reducing hot flashes, include dong quai, angelica, licorice root, chaste berry (Vitex), black cohosh, skullcap, wild yam, motherwort, valerian, burdock root, damiana, gotu kola, Siberian ginseng, hops, ginger, shizandra, and muira puama.
Other aids when you have menopausal problems are vitamin C— from 5 to 10 grams a day, and flax and borage seed oil. |
| Tincture of black cohosh can be part of an effective treatment for depression. This herb has proven benefits for women suffering from symptoms of menopause.
Burdock Root. Burdock is a diuretic and diaphoretic herb. It is one of the best blood purifiers, and a skin disease remedy.
Calendula. This one helps with varicose veins.
Capsicum. Capsicum stimulates circulation and elimination. It is a mild diuretic that helps to cleanse the kidneys.
Cayenne (Red Pepper). |
National Women's Health Network
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 A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in eighty-five breast cancer survivors (sixty-nine of whom completed it), found that while black cohosh did not reduce hot flashes more than placebo, it significantly lessened excessive sweating. Women took one tablet twice daily of a placebo or black cohosh (apparently 20 mg of Remifemin) for two months. This study, by Jacobson, measured hot flashes, excessive sweating, palpitations, headaches, poor sleep, depression, and irritability.5
Fifty-nine of the women were also taking tamoxifen. |
volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel
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| In connection with the effects of black cohosh on hormonal regulation, a study was done to investigate the effects of cimicifuga rhizome extracts on bone mineral density in ovariectomized and sham-operated rats. Some of the ovariectomized animals received the extracts in doses of 50-200 mg/kg daily for 6 weeks. The ovariectomy caused a significant decline in bone mineral density during this period compared with the sham-operated animals. This density loss could be partially offset by the administration of cimicifuga extracts. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 This neighbor took black cohosh tincture for a few weeks, and his tinnitus almost disappeared. He became a disciple of herbalism. Deb adds that black cohosh and ginkgo are a good combination.
V Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis). British herbalist David Hoffmann, author of The Herbal Handbook and one of my favorite practitioners, suggests that goldenseal may help some cases of tinnitus. It seems as if it might be worth a try.
V Lesser periwinkle (Vinca minor). |
Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.
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| It contains saponins, phytochemicals that are said to stimulate the uterus and increase pelvic blood flow. black cohosh might be mildly effective, but results can take several weeks to appear Do not take black cohosh if you suspect you are pregnant, since it might stimulate uterine contractions.
Chaste berry: This herb is supposed to stimulate the pituitary gland in the brain to increase levels of the female hormone luteinizing hormone (LH), and decrease another female hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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| In one study of 110 menopausal women, half were given black cohosh root extract, while the other half took an inactive preparation (a placebo). After eight weeks, blood tests showed significant estrogenic activity in the women taking the herb.
In another study, women with vaginal dryness due to menopause experienced similar relief whether taking black cohosh or pharmaceutical estrogen.
W Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Licorice contains natural estrogenic compounds. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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 Substances extracted from black cohosh have been found to have anti-inflammatory, sedative and blood-pressure-lowering activity in animals. Human data are lacking.
A few claim that consumption of black cohosh root produces a mild relaxant effect. Ingestion of large amounts could produce nausea, vomiting, perspiration and dizziness. Large doses during pregnancy have been suspected of causing premature birth.
Blessed Thistle
(The Monks' Tonic)
Blessed thistle {Cnicus benedictus) is also known commonly as St. Benedict thistle, holy thistle and spotted thistle. |
| Those of you who remember Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound may be interested to know that black cohosh was one of its main components.
Native Americans have used the herb for the treatment of chronic fatigue, malaria, rheumatism, kidney problems, female disorders and sore throat. It has also been used as a folk remedy for bronchitis, fever, itching, high blood pressure, anxiety, menstrual cramps and the symptoms of menopause. Substances extracted from black cohosh have been found to have anti-inflammatory, sedative and blood-pressure-lowering activity in animals. Human data are lacking. |
John Heinerman
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 Because black cohosh is able to reduce hypertension somewhat and exert a slight sedative action on the nerves, it may be good for women suffering from PMT-A. Recommended dosage is about 2 capsules twice daily. black cohosh is available from health food stores under the Nature's Way label and blue cohosh by mail-order from Indiana Botanic Gardens in Hammond (see Appendix). |
Ruth Winter
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 Herbalists have used it to relieve nerve pains, menstrual pains, and the pain of childbirth; also used to speed delivery and reduce blood pressure. black cohosh is believed to have sedative properties. In 1992, the FDA proposed a ban on black cohosh in oral menstrual drug products because it had not been shown to be safe and effective as claimed. BLACK CURRANT EXTRACT • The extract of the fruit of Ribes nigrum, a European plant that produces hanging yellow flowers and black aromatic fruit. BLACK CUTCH EXTRACT • See Catechu Extract. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier
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 CH3| CH3| INr" v
"1Gluc6 —1Gluc4—1Rha
\I/\L-^\/ Q
] CH3
Asiaticoside
HO^^
\ H
H3C
Glue = p-D-Glucose
CH2OH
Rha = a-L-Rhamnose
Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma black cohosh rhizome
AHP, BHP (Ph. Eur. and USNF monographs are planned)
Description: The drug consists of the dried, whole rhizomes with attached roots collected after fructescence (occurs from 2—8 years of age). They are irregularly shaped, up to 15 cm long and up to 2 cm thick, dark brown, longitudinally furrowed, with an uneven, distincdy knobby and somewhat annular surface. |
| In June of 2001, The United States Fish and Wildlife Service requested biological and trade status for black cohosh in order to determine whether it meets the CITES criteria for listing in Appendix II (species that are not threatened with extinction but may become so if international trade is not controlled).
Constituents: Triterpene glycosides of the 9,19-cycloartenol-type with D-xylose as the carbohydrate component, including actein, cimicifugoside, cimiracemo-side A [1]. |
Robyn Landis
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 Blue cohosh is unrelated to black cohosh; cohosh means "root" in the languages of the Native American tribes that used these herbs. They are two different plants in which the root is utilized.
Blue cohosh, unlike black cohosh, is not a long-term tonic. But it is a source of hormone precursors and will virtually always initiate menstruation. Capsules are best; blue cohosh's solubility in alcohol for the purpose of tinctures is not great, and as a tea this herb would irritate the throat. Seven to 8 capsules a day appears to be the dose at which most women will begin a period (within days). |
Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine
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 Some of the specific indications for black cohosh include night sweats, hot flashes, hypertension, heart disturbances, flulike symptoms, minor anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness.
Vaginal Dryness
Another common problem of menopause is vaginal dryness. Earth's Harvest makes a great suppository out of vitamin E and black cohosh. Simply insert one before going to bed, as needed. Vitamin E oil can also be used by piercing a capsule and inserting it one to three times weekly, or as needed. Make sure your diet is adequate in essential fatty acids. |
D. Lindsey Berkson
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 Herbs
In some cases, menopausal symptoms may be relieved by the herbs dong quai and black cohosh. black cohosh stimulates the ovaries and production of certain hormones that are useful in the perimenopausal (not the postmenopausal) woman. Thus, products containing high amounts of these herbs should just be used during perimenopause (whereas hormone potentiators may be used during both the peri- and postmenopausal years). Another herb, vitex, stimulates progesterone. Susan S. |
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